I Am - A poem by Lauren Palmer

Both of Lauren's parents died when she was 9 years old. Both infected with HIV in the #ContaminatedBlood scandal. On Saturday she read this incredibly moving poem outside @cabinetofficeuk. She continues to fight for recognition of all those who were infected and have died. pic.twitter.com/HZcBra4P2e

— Jason Evans (@JasonEvansF8) July 10, 2023

This past Saturday, a poignant video captured Lauren Palmer standing outside the Cabinet Office in London, reading an emotive poem during Factor 8's meet-up event to make the final year of the Infected Blood Inquiry. Reading the poem was a brave act of defiance and a heartbreaking tribute to her parents, both victims of the contaminated blood scandal.

As a child, Lauren grappled with unimaginable grief; her father, a haemophiliac, had been infected with HIV from contaminated Factor VIII blood products. He passed the virus onto Lauren's mother, leading to their premature death when Lauren was just nine years old.

The poem, born of anguish and loss, provides a stirring perspective into Lauren's devastating experience while making clear, she will fight for truth and justice. Her words weave a narrative that paints a picture of her personal anguish and a powerful indictment of this preventable medical treatment scandal.

The video can also be seen on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO73htcOKuI